The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
File Size: 1459 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager (June 9, 2015)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
ASIN: B00NLM6AJO
Genre: Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.
Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?
The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.
Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.
by Beth Cato
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager (June 9, 2015)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
ASIN: B00NLM6AJO
Genre: Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.
Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?
The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.
Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.
Review:
Octavia and Alonzo are fleeing from several enemy groups. Apparently they, or more particularly, Octavia was betrayed by a friend and given over to enemies who would use her healing powers for their own rebellion goals. Octavia is a skilled Medician - a healer who uses magic, as well as herbs and natural potions. Her powers are tied to “The Lady”, an ancient tree which is hidden but whose powers are known to give life and death.
Alonzo was a Clockwork Dagger, an elite fighter, who was sent to assassinate Octavia but instead rescued her and helped her escape. Alonzo is handsome even with a metal leg and he is always a gentleman in his behavior with Octavia.
The pair are seeking ancient information about The Tree and how it might be impacting Octavia. Not only are her powers growing stronger but soon she is exhibiting other strange signs of growth. Alonzo agrees to participate in a dangerous arena event in order to gain more information. When Alonzo and Octavia become separated, Octavia finds unexpected but important help in the form of a new friend who will continue her quest with her. Alonzo has to try to catch up since it is his personal goal to be Octavia’s bodyguard.
I am very sorry that I did not get to read the first book. As this started I felt a bit lost trying to figure out the history. The author drips bits and pieces but doesn’t do a good job of bringing enough back-story to make a new reader totally comfortable. I felt disappointed that I did not have a better understanding of Alonzo’s background. Fortunately the relationship, and good repartee, between Octavia and Alonzo pulled me in as the story moved along. The romance is tender with nice underlying sensuality. I loved the chimera characters, even though their creation was a tragedy. I also loved the gremlins who added a great bit of whimsy and feeling to the story. I found the story creative with good twists so that it read quickly.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong fantasy, including steampunk elements, and engaging characters. I would suggest reading book 1 first to help understand the political struggles and the extent of danger threatening Octavia and Alonzo.
I received this title through Edelweiss for an honest review as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
To Purchase The Clockwork Crown
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in a lair west of Phoenix, Arizona. She shares the household with a hockey-loving husband, a numbers-obsessed son, and a cat the size of a canned ham.
She’s the author of THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER steampunk fantasy series from Harper Voyager. The newest book, THE CLOCKWORK CROWN, comes out on June 9th, 2015.
Follow her at www.BethCato.com and on Twitter at @BethCato.
For More Information Visit Beth at her website
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Sounds like a good read Martha. As you say though sometimes with somewhat complex backgrounds these kind of books need to be read in order.
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